Doretha Jennings

Doretha Ann Cook Weeks Jennings, daughter of Samuel L. Murray and Argiletta M. Batson, was born in Easton, Maryland, on Tuesday, April 23, 1946. She peacefully departed this earthly life on Sunday, June 28, 2020. Doretha was educated in the Caroline County School System, where she attended and graduated from Lockerman High School June 1964. She moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania right after high school. She was employed with the Delaware County Memorial Hospital for three years. She would later work for the Insurance Company of North America, for 13 years, and finally ended her career with the Department of Defense (Army). Doretha met her first husband, Benjamin Weeks, who preceded her in death, while working at Delaware County Memorial Hospital, in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. Doretha accepted Christ as her personal Savior, at an early age, at Ross Chapel A.M.E. Church, in Preston, Maryland. She was an active member and enjoyed singing and doing other various things in the church. She also attended regular services at Victory Deliverance Church, in Newark, Delaware. From an early age, Doretha had a strong desire to join the military. She followed in the footsteps of her male family members, and joined the Army Reserves in March, 1975, at the age of 27. Her love for the military kept her fully engaged for 33 years, serving in a duel capacity of Reservist and the Civilian Department of Defense employee. She retired from the 485th Chemical Battalion at age 60, as a Master Sergeant, when she could no longer stay. She loved helping soldiers and took great pride in being a God-loving pillar of strength to many who crossed her path and was at her best doing just that. Doretha held positions as a Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, HHD Commander and Senior Staff Administrator. She exhibited outstanding leadership, professionalism, initiative and dedication, along with a sincere concern for the welfare of soldiers, civilians and their families. Her legacy at the 485th can be summarized in one word– SOILDER! Her vision of the soldier was not just of one individual, but involved a team concept, a strong love for her country and the soldiers that protected it. Through her involvement with the military, Doretha later met her beloved husband, Robert L. Jennings, who was also in the Army at that time. They were wed in holy matrimony on January 14, 2004. In 2010, Doretha joined the Lockerman School Association, Inc. and served as assistant treasurer and later treasurer, until her health no longer permitted it. Doretha was preceded in death by her brother, Samuel Leonard Murray. Doretha leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 16 years, Robert; two sons, Benjamin Weeks (Monica) and Brandon Cook, both of Philadelphia, PA; mother, Argiletta Batson of Middletown, DE; father, Samuel L. Murray (Lillian) of Miami Gardens, FL; eight brothers and sisters, Brenda Parker of Philadelphia, PA, Kathryn Williams of Miami, FL, Joanne Brewton, of Pembroke Pines, FL, William Murray of Miami, Fl, Gordon Murray (Judene) of Biscayne Gardens, FL, Theresa Solis (Rubin) of Hong Kong, Gina Murray-Lanier (Tracey) of Covington, GA and Dallas Matthews (Dovie) of Cambridge, MD; two sisters-in-law, Angie Jennings of Columbia, SC and Doretha Smith of Stanford, CT; two uncles, Melvin Cook (Barbara) of Middletown, DE and Louis Batson (Rosalie) of Seaford DE; one granddaughter, Robin Weeks; one great grandson, Karter Johnson; 10 godchildren; and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews and cousins as well as a multitude of friends

Doretha Jennings

April 23, 1946 - June 28, 2020